Moraine Township once again facilitated gift distribution to children of families struggling this holiday season.

As he greeted children at Moraine Township’s Annual Phyllis Santullano Holiday Gift Drive, Santa Claus observed, "it’s cold in the North Pole, but I’m warm all year when I remember the children’s smiles." Santa’s elves were ably assisted by generous sponsors from the Highland Park/Highwood community who were anonymously matched with children.

One note to the Township said that “as a parent I was worried because this year we are not able to buy them gifts. But there are special people like you.”

“We are reminded daily of how fortunate we are to live in a community with a spirit of generosity and compassion that is second to none,” noted Event Co-Chair Sue Kach.

Moraine Township partners with the community and schools for this effort. Over 600 Highland Park and Highwood children identified by school social workers and counselors received gifts in December thanks to generous and caring community sponsors.

“The donor knows the age, gender, size, grade in school and wish list - but not the name - of a specific child, and commits to spending $50 to $60 on new toys and clothing for each child,“ explained Township Clerk Gail Feiger Brown, who co-chairs the effort. “When gifts are distributed, the family also receives grocery gift cards to shop for the foods that make their family's holiday celebration special. Participating children are invited to select brand new warm gloves, scarves and hats.”

The Annual Holiday Gift Drive is named after Phyllis Santullano, a Highland Park City Council member during the ‘70s and ‘80s who founded The North Suburban Self-Help Center to help struggling families from all cultures in our community. Moraine Township’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive in small part helps to keep Phyllis’ spirit of compassion and generosity alive in our community.